Getting winter ready

As the temperature starts to drop, we all start to feel the costly pinch around this time of year with increased energy usage and extra spending. We’re here to support you where we can.

Our financial inclusion team can help you make the most out of your money. They can provide advice from budgeting and benefits to insurance and energy advice.

Welcome spaces

A Warm Welcome Space may be closer than you think. They offer a place to get warm, stay warm and find company as well as support and information around the continuing cost of living situation and financial hardship facing many of our communities, including the increase in energy, food, fuel and other necessities.

Find a Warm Welcome Space near you Request support

Community pantry and hot meals

Bright Futures Ferryhill CIC
Located within Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre, this community pantry offers a selection of staple food parcels (Five cupboard items, five snacks, and fresh fruit and vegetables) for £5. You can also select fridge and cleaning parcels. Prices start from £5, and you'll need to pay £1 for a lifetime membership.

Local supermarkets
Your local supermarkets are a great place for deals on warm meals in their cafes. Some supermarkets and restaurants also offer “kids eat free” during school holidays. Asda recently launched its in-store £1 meals, which include soup, a roll, and unlimited tea or coffee for people over 60.

Food banks
These are designed to provide short-term, emergency food support during a crisis. If you need help buying food, contact our money advisers, who can arrange for you to receive a three-day energy supply of nutritionally balanced food.

Community partners offering hot meals
Spennymoor Town Football Club | Cornforth Partnership | Shildon Alive | Ferryhill Ladder Centre | Junction7

Request support Bright Futures Ferryhill CIC

Winter fuel

Winter fuel payment

Recent changes to Winter Fuel Payments mean only those receiving Pension Credit are eligible. If you are not receiving Pension Credit, now is a good time to check your eligibility. To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been eligible for Pension Credit during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September. Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, so the latest date to apply and still receive the Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024. If you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you may also be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount. 

Winter fuel

Help with your heating bills

Heat the human not the home

Energy prices rose by 10% from 1 October. Moneysavingexpert.com have shared their top tips to ‘heat the human, not the home’. Take a look at some useful hints and tips on staying warm during the colder weather. 

Your energy supplier

Your supplier is obliged to help you if you are struggling to pay your bills. They will discuss repayment options with you and may be able to access hardship funds on your behalf. You can find your energy supplier using the button below.

Durham County Council welfare assistance scheme

The scheme provides short-term support for food, travel, or clothing. In some circumstances, it can also help with household goods.

MoneySavingExpert Find energy supplier Durham County Council welfare assistance

Borrowing money

If you are considering borrowing money always make sure it’s from a reputable source.

We work in partnership with the North-East Credit Union to offer you interest free loans up to £350. 

The credit union also offer a family loan of up to £500 for families or individuals in receipt of child benefit. The loan will be repaid by child benefit being paid directly to the credit union from the DWP. 

NEfirstCreditUnion Request support

Tips to stay warm and well

Set a comfortable thermostat temperature

If you can, keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature, recommended between 18°C and 21°C.

Adjust radiator valves

Try turning them up in rooms you use often and down in those you don’t.

Lower the flow temperature on combi boilers

Reducing this can improve efficiency.

Use heating timers

Set central heating timers so it only comes on when you need it.

Take regular meter readings

This keeps bills accurate.

Annual heating service

The service ensures your heating system runs efficiently.

Your curtains

Open curtains during the day to let in warmth and close at night to retain heat.

Wash clothes at a lower temperature

This can save energy.

Keep radiators clear

Moving furniture away to help heat circulate.

Ensure ventilation

It’s important to keep your home well ventilated, so try not to block vents, windows or extractor fans.

You can also find helpful information available on the GOV.uk website.

GOV.uk